Food retailer HoneyBaked Ham to open 30 outlets across northeast US

American food retailer The HoneyBaked Ham Company is planning to expand its retail network across northeastern part of the country with 30 brick and mortar franchise outlets over the next five years.

The chain currently operates 20 stores in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and is keen to expand its business to Vermont, Maine and Rhode Island.

HoneyBaked Ham franchise development vice president Molly Kesmodel said that the chain's demand is surging across the northeast region of US.

"Strategically speaking, we have had a solid year thus far with signed deals in Pennsylvania, Alabama and Georgia," added Kesmodel.

"As we come to the mid-year mark, we are now looking to prioritize efforts where there is strong interest for HoneyBaked growth and we are well-positioned to serve customers and entrepreneurs as we continue to open many more locations in the region."

The food retailer offers deli cafés and catering including signature sandwiches, salads, and fresh made sides at its franchise outlets and online website.

HoneyBaked Ham franchise development director Melissa McFarlin noted: "Considering our strong brand recognition in the market, we are confident we can establish a strong base of franchisees and consumers to carry the brand into the next chapter of our history, particularly as we continue to evolve our company."

The retailer currently operates more than 400 stores in the country, of which 189 are franchisee-owned.